Which polishing error is most likely to traumatize gingival tissues?

Which polishing error is most likely to traumatize gingival tissues?

• A. Keeping the cup away from the gingival margin
• B. Using too little paste
• C. Forcing the rubber cup into the sulcus
• D. Not polishing at all

Answer: (C)

Trauma to gingival tissues during polishing happens when the rubber cup is forced into the sulcus. The gingival sulcus is a delicate environment where the tissue is not meant to endure direct abrasion from a rotating polishing instrument; pressing the cup into this pocket can scrape and bruise the tissue, causing bleeding, inflammation, and potential recession. The safest technique is to keep the cup off the gingival margin, use light, intermittent pressure, and rely on polishing paste to lubricate and cool the area. Not polishing at all or using too little paste misses the goal of finishing while still avoiding injury, but the direct tissue injury risk is greatest when the cup is driven into the sulcus.

Trauma to gingival tissues during polishing happens when the rubber cup is forced into the sulcus. The gingival sulcus is a delicate environment where the tissue is not meant to endure direct abrasion from a rotating polishing instrument; pressing the cup into this pocket can scrape and bruise the tissue, causing bleeding, inflammation, and potential recession. The safest technique is to keep the cup off the gingival margin, use light, intermittent pressure, and rely on polishing paste to lubricate and cool the area. Not polishing at all or using too little paste misses the goal of finishing while still avoiding injury, but the direct tissue injury risk is greatest when the cup is driven into the sulcus.